Senior Manager : Maritime Research (Pretoria)

South African Maritime Safety Authority; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A national maritime safety organization is seeking a Senior Manager for Maritime Research in Pretoria. The role involves setting strategic directions, managing research initiatives, and ensuring compliance across projects. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree and at least 7 years of research experience, including supervisory roles. The position requires excellent organizational skills and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Qualifications

• 7 years research experience, with at least 3 years at a managerial/supervisory level.
• Experience in analysing, conducting and supervising research.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic and operational direction of the Research Unit.
• Plan and manage the development of the research agenda.
• Prepare reports and guidelines for disseminating research results.
• Maintain research data and apply generated knowledge.
• Develop and manage performance compliance requirements.
• Manage financial, human and other resources.

Skills

Understanding and application of a range of research methods

Knowledge of strategic stakeholder engagement processes

Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office

Research report writing skills

Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to present ideas and concepts

Excellent organisational and planning skills

Analytical ability with strong attention to detail

Education

Postgraduate Qualification in Maritime Studies/Economics/Transport/Public Administration or related qualification (NQF 8)

Relevant Masters Qualification (NQF 9)

Job description

Job title : Senior Manager : Maritime Research (Pretoria)

Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline : October 24, 2025

Description

• Set the strategic and operational direction of the Research Unit in ensuring business and industry needs driven research
• Plan, lead and manage the development and implementation of the identified research agenda
• Develop and review the research business case for approval or recommendation for external research requirements
• Prepare reports, guidelines or other documents aimed at disseminating the results and outcomes of research projects for programming, policy and advocacy
• Maintain research data gathered from other institutions and ensure that knowledge generated is secured, shared and applied where applicable
• Develop research related position / discussion papers to inform SAMSA strategy, policies and programmes
• Develop work performance standards and define the quality of work to be delivered
• Conduct relevant micro and macro-environment and impact analyses to inform the strategic direction
• Manage projects effectively through robust integrated planning and interaction with clients
• Manage financial, human and other resources
• Develop and manage performance compliance requirements (e.g. annual business plan, reports and ad-hoc requests)
• Provide reliable Unit financial projections for budgeting purposes and manage the allocated budget
• Identify Unit risks, develop a mitigation plan and implement the plan to manage risks
• Decisively act on Unit audit findings and related management comments to prevent repeat audit findings
• Manage and lead SAMSA research collaboration programmes on bilateral and multi-disciplinary partnerships with industry, academia and other relevant institutions impacting the Maritime Industry
• Interact with and build relationships and joint initiatives with leading research institutes and other key players locally and abroad
• Represent SAMSA at local and international maritime engagement platforms
• Engage and manage internal stakeholder relations
• Effective management of performance for each direct report in line with the Performance Management Guidelines
• Support direct reports in the development and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
• Ensure that subordinates effectively apply newly acquired skills for improved performance
• Mentor and supervise Maritime Research personnel

Qualifications

• Postgraduate Qualification in Maritime StudiesEconomicsTransportPublic Administration or any related qualification (NQF 8)
• Relevant Masters Qualification (NQF 9) would be an added advantage

Knowledge and Experience

• 7 years research experience, of which at least 3 years should be at a managerial / supervisory level
• Must have experience in analysing, conducting and supervising research

Competencies

• High levels of competence on the skills below is a requirement :
• Understanding and application of a range of research methods
• Knowledge of strategic stakeholder engagement processes
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office
• Research report writing skills
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a range of audiences and stakeholders
• Ability to present ideas, concepts, research findings, etc.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills that ensure work is effectively prioritized to meet deadlines
• Analytical ability with strong attention to detail